Thomas Lukaszuk launched the “Alberta Forever Canada” petition, also called the Forever Canadian initiative, in June. On Friday, he announced that the petition has gathered about 230,000 signatures so far. CBC
A petition asking Albertans whether the province should remain part of Canada has reached nearly 80 per cent of its required signatures. The “Alberta Forever Canada” initiative, launched in June, has gathered about 230,000 signatures so far.
Former Progressive Conservative deputy premier Thomas Lukaszuk, who submitted the petition, shared the update at a news conference on Friday. He said the strong response reflects how engaged Albertans are in discussions about the province’s future within Canada.
The petition needs around 294,000 verified signatures from eligible voters before its 90-day deadline on October 28. That number represents 10 per cent of Alberta’s total electorate, as required by the rules for citizen-led petitions.
What the Petition Seeks to Do
According to Elections Alberta, citizen initiative petitions allow residents to formally propose legislation or policy changes, or even call for a referendum on constitutional matters. Lukaszuk’s petition falls under the legislative proposal category rather than the constitutional one, meaning it aims to have the issue discussed and voted on by Alberta’s Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs).
He explained that he intentionally filed it this way to keep the process straightforward. “We don’t need to have a referendum,” he said. “That is why we very strategically filed this petition under the policy stream, not the constitutional stream.”
If the petition meets the required signature count, it will be presented to the provincial legislature. Lawmakers would then decide whether to formally debate and vote on the question of Alberta’s place in Canada.
A Province-Wide Effort
Lukaszuk said about 5,000 volunteers across Alberta are working hard to collect signatures before the deadline. These volunteers have been setting up booths, visiting communities, and encouraging eligible voters to sign in support of keeping Alberta within the Canadian federation.
He noted that public engagement has been strong, especially in smaller communities where discussions about Alberta’s role in the country have been more intense in recent years.
A Broader Political Context
The petition comes amid ongoing conversations in Alberta about autonomy and federal relations. Some Albertans have expressed frustration with federal policies, particularly those affecting energy and natural resources. Lukaszuk’s petition seeks to gauge whether residents still believe in remaining part of Canada or if growing regional tensions have changed public opinion.
While the initiative does not propose separation, it serves as a response to recent talk of independence and aims to give Albertans a way to express support for unity. Lukaszuk said the goal is to show that most people still see Alberta’s future as being within Canada.
As the October 28 deadline approaches, volunteers continue to gather signatures both in person and online. Lukaszuk remains confident the target will be met.
